Until That Good Day: A Novel

by Marjorie Kemper

Until That Good Day is a stunning debut novel loosely based on the Marjorie Kemper's family history. Set in Louisiana in the 1930's, the story revolves around John Washington, a successful traveling salesman who "passes" in the white community. John's young daughter Vivien is a lulu of an unreliable narrator with charm to spare. Profoundly moving as well as comical and sweet, this is a haunting story with dynamite characters from a literary-prize-winning author.

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

One hell of a novel. I found this treasure in a used book store and liked the title. First time reader of Kemper and I don't know for certain if she has written any other since 2003. A book about life, not your Hallmark movie life. This was the real deal. It's the early thirties we are in Louisiana and the story revolves around John Washington a traveling salesman and his family and the secrets they keep.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not my usual read, but this was an awesome book. I could not put it down. Had to know what was going to happen next to each character. My fave characters were Vivian and Willie, both readers.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

How have I not heard of this book before. I loved it and I challenge anyone to read this book and not fall in love with 5 year old Vivian. She is sweet, sassy, kind, ornery - just a typical little girl, but she is also very, very smart. She reminded me a bit of Scout Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird and that is high praise indeed because that has been my favorite book for ages. Vivian's father, John Washington is a black man who passes for white and he really is not a very likeable human being. In this book, you will meet various members of the little town in the south and their individual stories are very interesting. I recommend this book with no reservations whatsoever. I'm sure you will enjoy it.

[Tamara Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprising

This book had me holding my breath many times. I am glad I read it though it was tough in many moments.

[Eliza · Rating 3 out of 5]

8/14/2003: This book is written by Dearie's friend from Sewanee. It's a good story, well-written, if a bit uneven. It's the story of Vivian, the daughter of John Washington, a black man passing for white in the Deep South. He marries Antoinette, a good Irish girl, who is flighty and hilarious. There is also a parallel story of John's black girlfriend Odessa, and Billy, the little boy they love.

[Terri Tinkel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book yesterday. It was as interesting on the last page as it was on the first page. I enjoyed learning the "secrets" as they were revealed. I could picture the characters as they were described. There were some twists in the plot that were unexpected too.

[Marian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Liked it, didn't love it. Some interesting characters, but not really anything I haven't seen/read before in terms of literature about the South.

[A.Jay Wagner]

Until That Good Day: A Novel by Marjorie Kemper (2003)

[Linda Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top-rate literary fiction.